Three position, snap action rotary switch



Sept. 22, 1.964 e. P. HERMANN THREE POSITION, SNAP ACTION ROTARY swrrcn 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 24, 1962 Gem/a P 195mm P 22, 1954 e. P. HERMANN 3,150,243

THREE POSITION, SNAP ACTION ROTARY SWITCH Filed Jan. 24, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 22, 1964 G. P. HERMANN THREE POSITION, SNAP ACTION ROTARY SWITCH 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 24, 1962 Sept. 22, 1964 G. P. HERMANN THREE POSITION, SNAP ACTION ROTARY SWITCH 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 24, 1962 United. States Patent 3,155,243 TEEEE EOSITIQN,-SNAP'ATIGN ROTARY SWITGH Gerald P. HermanmPittsfieEd, Mass-,assignor to eneral- Electricfiornpany, a eorporation of New York Fiid Jan. 2'4, 1%2', Ser. No.'1'i8,47 SCiaims. (6i. 29i263) This invention relates to snap acting switchesrand,

more particularly, to switcheswhich are provided with a 19 three'positicn, snap action which'find-special utility ina distribution loop feed system.

In recentyears; distribution systems for distributing electrical power to consumers have changed in'many respects. Among these changes has been the increased 1 usage-ofa type of distribution'system winch has been termed the loop 'feed systern. Isms systema plurality: of distribution transformers are connected inanopened loop to a source or electrical power. In such loop feedsystems each distribution transformer is' provided with 23 temsis theneed of a means for removing-a transformer from-the Zine when desired,'or a means forsectionalizing' a portion of the loop feedsystem; Sectionalizing, as used herein, means "to isolate a portion of the loop feed system which connects two adjacent transformers in the system.-

For example, when it is desired to remove-a transformer 40 from the line, torinspection or repairs or for'changeout,

it is desired that the'encrgied lines to the "distribution transformers be de energized before work is begu'n'on the distribution transformer. Farther, when" it is desired to inspect the wire or cable, or toreplace'the wire or cable" A which-connect two distribution transformers of the'systern; itis desirable that this portion of-the line be de-' energized, that is, that the" particular'section-of power cable between two transformers be sectionalized by, removingtitfrom thesource ofpower; To perform the 5 aboveftinctions, either the "transformer must be "disccn nested frornthe two energizedliries or the line which'is' connected-to two-transformers must be'disconnecte'd from each ofthe-transformers. It is preferred that this-dis connectionbe accomplished by a switching means at each" transformer. However, with presently available switches it has-generallybeen found necessary to provide each transformer with two, twopositio'nswitches: Each switch" connects the transformer to, on disconnects the" trans former from, one of theenergized'lines. It will be readily apparent to those'skilled inthis art that it is desirable to provide-only a singlc-switchin-each transformer, such switch being able to function so as to connect the trans= former to both energizedlines or todisconnect the transformer from either energized-lines,'-as desired." As can be seen, this requires a threeposition switch, Obviousl a single three position 'switch would require less space in the transforrner and would generally'be less 'costly than the two switches-generally used-in thart:

Itis, therefore; one'object of this invention-to provide a novel, three position switch Another object of this invention is to provide a three it should become open, the 25 ormers-shouid become'open; that the other portion" 30 ice position swit'chfor atransformer to" enable disconnectingof the transformer from either of two energized lines, and to allow the connection" of the transformer toboth energizedlinesi A fnrther object of'this inventionis 'to provide'a novel; three position switch for use in' a distiibntion transformer loop feed system ltwilibe nnderstoodby'those' skilled iri'this-a'rt that the" lines used toenergize the various transformers of a loop feed a system will carry-a large quantity of electrical power, generally the stirri 'of theloadof the varioiis sane formersconnected to the-loo Ope ing' theconta ot a switchcarrying'a-largeamoilnt'of electricai power wil ofcourse dra'w a substantial -ardbetwee'n the ope contacts. Clear-1y, it is desirable that a switch-to op n contactson a-iarge qtiantityof electrical power b'ep rovided with'a snap action dn'ri'r'ig open'in'g-of thew-met in i order 'to break any= are Which-is" formed dilrin op e' an ofthe contacts. Furthenasrap action is'"de'sired onthe ciosingof the'con'tafis of the switch to; prev'e'n. tting-of sttch contactsf'and toprev'en't the weldingbf the contacts shonidthey bec osed on a-fa'ult;

It is, thereto robict of thisinvention ts'p'rs' J vide'anovel three pos'ition switch having snap action both means are pivotally m'onntedc-iith'e mounting member' and movable into andont ofengag'e'mnt 'with two' ener gizahle'switch 'contact spring-m "nsare' pfovided se cn'red 'to the switch m'ans for aiding niovin'gthe-siiiitch means" inopeningandclosing 'of'the contacts'f Further, means are provided connected" between the switch means and the actuating meinber'; whereby" in"one position of the actuating-member both switcli mns'engage the con tacts, while'in a secondpositionof the"actuating member one'of the switch niean's rs disenQag-e'dfrompne of the contacts, whiie-ina third position'ofthe actnatin g memerthe other switchmeans' disconnected froiii th'e other contact. positions of the actuating meinbe r corrspond tothe con dition of the switch in which bothkont'aet's are-opened,- or in which either contact is closed.

The invention which is sought to be protected will b'e 4 clearly pointed ont and distinctly claimed 1 in the "claims which'are appended h'er'e'to; Howeven' it is believed -tb' the full scope of this inventionfas'welh as' th manner in" which its various objects andadvanta e's "are-obtaine 4 as weil'as' th 1 objects andadvantag eofi vill be more fully I understood from the following-detailed de 'eciany scription of a preferred embodiment thereof 1 I when considered inthelightbf the aceomp'a'n i ings; in which:'-

FIGURE 1 'is 'a'perspective'view' of orie' form' ofa' tion, showinga modified form of switch, accordingto this invention; 7 n I FIGURE 4- is a sectional'view taken on the 1ine44 of FIG. 3;

froonns is a schematic representation eta 1001) reed distribution system; and

FEGEJRE6 is a plan V ew ofano'ther type of three positron switch madeaccording tothis inventionf Referring nowto the drawings; in'whfch like numerals" are used toindicate like parts thronghout tl1evar'io'ns views thereof there is shown 'a novel threepdsition, snap" acting switch according to a preferred embodiment of thereof,

In another" embodiment of this invention the this invention. This novel three position, snap action switch finds special utility in a loop feed distribution system, such as is shown schematically in FIG. 5. Referring first to FIG. 5, the loop feed system is shown as comprising a plurality of distribution transformers connected in an open loop to a source of electrical power, such source being designated 10. As shown, the loop feed system from source is open between transformer 12 and transformer 14. The distribution transformers are shown as being serially connected to the power source 10, four on one side of the open section and three on the other side; Thus, all the distribution transformers are energized by the source 10. Should one of the distribution transformers develop a fault, such that it must be removed from service, for example, distribution transformer 12, then it can be seen that the distribution transformers 14, 16, and 18 will still be energized from source 10 by means of the line 20; while the distribution transformers 22, 24, and 26 will still be energized by line 28 from the source 10. To remove distribution transformer 12 from the line, it is necessary to provide some disconnecting means to disconnect line 30 between distribution transformers 12 and 14, (presently shown as open at transformer 12) and also to disconnect line 32 between the transformers 12 and 22. To obtain this desired disconnection, it is clearly desirable that only a. single switch means be provided in each distribution transformer. Also, it is desirable that the disconnection be made from the adjacent transformers to prevent a live lead being in the disconnected transformer. In the above example a switch in transformer 14, shown schematically as switch 34, may be used to disconnect 14 from line 39,.while a switch 36 in transformer 22 may be provided to disconnect transformer 22 from the line 32.l This would of course effectively remove transformer 12 from electrical power and allow repairs or changeouts to be performed on transformer 12 without in any manner disturbing the energization of the other distribution transformers in the system. Further, where it is desirable to disconnect line 30 between transformers 12 and 14 such that line 30 may be inspected, or replaced if necessary, then clearly switch 38 in transformer 12, disconnecting transformer 12 from line 30, and switch 34 in transformer 14, disconnecting transformer 14 from line 30, would provide the desired sectionalizing of the line 30, to effectively remove it from service without in any manner disturbing the energization of all the distribution transformers in the loop feed system. The novel three position, snap action switch of this invention is uniquely designed for use in the above'type system. However, it will be apparent from the following description that the three position, snap acting switch of this invention is not limited to use in a loop feed system.

Considering now FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawing, a preferred embodiment of the novel, three position, snap action switch of this invention will be described in detail. As shown, the three position, snap acting switch 'comprises an actuating member, such as crank 40, which is movably secured to a mounting member 42. Mounting member 42 may be secured within a transformer or other enclosing means (not shown) or it may be a portion of a wall of a transformer tank or other enclosing means. In the preferred embodiment shown, two pairs of movable contacts 44 and '46 are provided, being pivotally mounted on the mounting member 42, in a manner to be described, and movableinto and out of engagement with fixed contacts 48 and 50, respectively. A spring means 52. issecured between the movable contacts 44 and 46 to aid in moving said contacts into and out of engagement with fixed contacts 48 and 50, in a manner which will be hereinafter more fully described. Connecting means 54 and 56 are provided connected between the movable contacts 44 and 46, respectively, and the actuating member 40, for moving the movable con- 48 and 50.

Considering specifically FIG. 1 of the drawing, a preferred embodiment of the novel three position, snap acting switch of this invention is shown in its closed position, whereby movable contact 44 engages fixed contact 48 and movable contact 46 engages fixed contact 50. In this position, the actuating member 40 is in the closed position, as shown, and the connecting means 54 and 56 are in a substantially vertical position. As shown, the actuating member 40 is pivotally connected to the mounting member 42 by means of a shaft 58 which extends through the mounting member which may be, for example, the tank of a distribution transformer, to an actuating handle 60. As will be well understood by those skilled in the art, the three position, snap acting, switch may be installed inside of a distribution transformer with the actuating handle 60 on the exterior of such transformer, whereby it may be readily manipulated either by means of a switch stick, or by hand, as desired. Of

course, if desired, an indicator may be provided with operating handle 60 to indicate the position of the switch.

The movable contacts 44 and 46 are shown in the form of a pair of blade members which are pivotally mounted to a central terminal block 62 by hearing means 64 and 66, respectively. Terminal block 62 is mounted on an insulating member 68 which is secured by means of screws 70 to straps 72. Straps 72 are bolted to conductors 74 which are mounted in bushings 75. The bushings 75 are secured to the mounting member 42, thus holding the straps 72 and other portions of the switch in spaced relation with the mounting member 42 and insulated therefrom. As shown, the bottom portion of terminal block 62 is provided with a terminal means 76 for connection to electrical apparatus, such as for example, the high voltage side of a distribution transformer.

The switch blades 44 and 46 are provided with a biasing means in order to form a tight electrical connection between the switch blades and the stationary contacts. The biasing means is in the form of a pin orbolt member 78 which extends through the switch blades and is provided on each end thereof with a compression spring 80 which forces the switch blades towards each other. In this manner, as the switch blades, for example the switch blades 44, close on the fixed contact 48 the blades are firmly forced against the fixed contact 48 to provide a good electrical connection betweenthe blades 44 and the contact 48. Further, it will be understood that by means of the compression springs 80 the switch blades 44 are forced into a firm friction fit with the fixed contact 48 requiring a given amount of force to overcome such friction in opening the movable contacts 44 from the fixed contact 48. As can be seen, the outer portion of the bolts 78 are provided with securing means 82. about which the tension springs 52 are connected. As can be seen from this View of the drawing, each of the movable contacts 44 and 46 are pivoted to the terminal block 62 about the points made by the bearings 64 and 66. It will be seen that in the closed position each tension spring 52 is below this point of contact, thereby providing an over center means to aid in holding the movable contacts 44 and 46 in their closed positions on the fixed contacts 48 and 50, respectively. While two springs 52 are shown as used with movable contacts 44, r

with the biasing compression springs 88. The two members of each of the connecting means 54 and as are rigidly connected together at their ends by means of pin members 83. The connecting members 86 are in the form of channels and within each of the channels is mounted a spring 91). Each of the springs 93 is connected between the pin 88 and a connecting bearing 92. The bearing 92 connects each of the connecting means 54 and 56 to the opposite sides of the actuating member 49, as shown. Further, each of the channels 85 is provided with a slotted opening 94 through which the bearing 22 extends andin which it is movable during operation of the actuating means 49. In the closed position shown in FIG. 1, bothof the springs 90 are in compression, forcing the movable contacts 44 and 46 in a downward position in contact with the fixed contacts 48 and 5%).

Referring now to FIG. 2, when the actuating member 40 is'rotated clockwise, in order to disconnect movable contact 46 from fixed contact 59, itwill be apparent that the spring member'Qtl of connecting means 55 is placed in tension, being stretched within the channel 86 between connecting points 38 and 92. The stretching of the spring 99 stores energy which is suddenly released, when the force of the spring 98 overcomes both the friction between the movable contact 46 and fixed contact 56 and the over center force of springs 52, to thereby snap the movable contact 46 open from fixed contact 56. it will be understood that a similar snap action will be obtained even with butt contacts having a negligible friction force due to the over center force of springs 52. f course, it

will be apparent, that as the movable contact it: begins to move upward from the fixed contact t) that the tension springs 52 are moved to a position on the other side of the center point formed by the pivot bearing 66 and thereby aid in urgingthe movable contacts 45 to the open position shown. As the actuating member ill is rotated, in this instance in a clockwise direction, to disengage contacts 46 from fixed contacts 59, it will be seen that the spring within the channel 86 on the movable contact 44 is placed in greater compression, thereby more firmly holding contact 44 on fixed contact 48. in this manner it can be seen that in one position of the actuating member, one movable contact is separated from its fixed contact with a snap action, while the other movable contact is more firmly held in its closed position. As will be apparent, the slot members 94 may be designed such that the initiation of the opening or closing operation may be caused by one of the bearings 92 pressing against one end of the appropriate slot.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be apparent that, as the actuating member 4%? is moved in a counter clockwise direction, from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. 1, the spring 9%, associated with movable contact 46, is forced downwardly by the connecting bearing 2 storing energy in compression until such time as the torque or force applied to contact 45 by spring 99 is sufficient to overcome the tension, torque or force of the springs 52. At this point, contact 4-6 begins to close on contact 59 with the snap action of the stored energy in the spring fi. At the same time, as springs 52 begin to move downwardly with movable contact 46 they will reach the over center point with reference to the bearing means 56, and will then add their energy in firmly closing contact 45, with a snap action, onto the fixed contact 59. Thus it can be seen, that by means of the novel three position switch of this invention means are provided for snap action in both opening and closing of the contacts of the switch means. It should also be apparent that, by means of the springs 9! and 52, a snap action is provided in both opening and closing of thecontacts without regard to the speed of moving the operating handle 6% Of course, it Will be obvious that if the actuating-member 40 is moved further in a counter clockwise position from the position shown in FIG. 1, that a reverse action will take place, similar to that described for the clockwise motion in FIG. 2, whereby contact 44 will be removed from fixed contact 48. Thus, it will be apparent, that by means of the three position snap acting switch of this invention a switch is provided in which both contacts of the switch may be closed or either of the switch contacts may be opened. As shown in FiG. 1, both contacts of the switch are closed. As shown in FIG. 2, contact 44 is closed on contact 48, While contact 46 has been disconnected lrom'contact 50. In the third position of the switch (not shown), contact 44 will be disengaged from contact 48, while contact 46 will be engaged with contact 59.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, stop means are provided in the form of bosses 96 on the insulated rods 84 to prevent the movable contacts 4 and 46 from being opened too far during their opening sequence. In'the same manner, stop means are provided in the'form of washers 98 about the screw means 1%, such that the lower ends of the movable contacts 44 and 46 will contact the stop means 3 to prevent the switches from closing too far on the fixed contacts 48 and 59. The screw means 1% are utilized to secure the fixed contacts and 59 to the insulated member 68. Of course, screws 1% also aid in securing straps 72 to the insulated member it will also be apparent to those skilled in this art that each of the fixed contacts 4-3 and 59 is provided with terminal means, which may be, for example, the conductors 74, for connecting each of the fixed contacts @8 and Eli to an energized line conductor. Thus, the power to the electrical apparatus, for example, a transformer, is brought in from energized line conductor (not shown) through a fixed contact 58 and movable contact 44 to the terminal block 52 and thence from terminal 76 to the electrical apparatus. In the same manner, the electrical energy is carried from a second electrical conductor (not shown) to the fixed contact 50 and then through the movable contacts 45 to the terminal block as and t e terminal 76 to the desired electrical apparatus.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawing, a'modification of the switching means shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is disclosed. The connecting means 54 and 56 are the same as hereinbetore described, with reference to FIGS. 1 2. However, in this modification the fixed'contacts are in the form of clamp or jaw members 162 which fit within an explosion pot 1494, the explosion pot being secured to an insulated mounting member 166. Of course, the second fixed contact similarly is provided with jaw members 1S8 within the explosion pot which'also is firmly secured to the insulated mounting member 106. law members 192 and Hi3 are connected by means of metallic straps HZ'and 114, respectively, to a terminal member lio'and 118, respectively, to which the energized lines (not shown) may be connected. The terminal board 129, to which the movable contacts 122 and 124 are connected, is also firmly attached to the insulated mounting member 1%. Explosion pots 164, are attached to terminal board 126, as by the extensions 121, and may also be secured to the mounting member 106 in any desired manner, such as by gluing.

As shown, spe lfically in FlG. 3, the movable contacts 122 and 12 5- are pivoted to the terminal board 126 by means of the pivot bearings 126, 128 respectively. In this embodiment, the movable contacts 122 and 24 are in the form of curved bayonet contacts, which fit within the explosion pot lite and ill! and make-firm electrical connection with the jaw members 162 and 193, respectively. As can be seen, a tension spring 139 is secured to the pivoting arms 3.32434 of the movable contacts by the connecting bosses 136 and 138 respectively. A plate member 14% may be secured to terminal board by bolt members E42. Of course, either bolt members 142 may. act as the terminal for the electrical apparatus. In order. to insure a good electrical connection between movable contacts 122, 124 a braided wire 144 may be provided, electrically connected to both movable contacts 122, 124 and the plate member 149, as shown.

In FIG. 3, it can be seen that the position of the contact members of the switch are in the same position as shown in FIG. 2, that is, contact member 122 is disengaged from contact 102, while contact member 124 is engaged with contact 108. .Thus it will be apparent that the position of the actuating member 40 and the connecting means 5456 will be in the same position as shown in FIG. 2.. Clearly, the operation of themodification shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is exactly the same as that for FIGS. 1 and 2. The spring 133 performs the identical function in opening and closing of the contacts as the spring 52 in FIGS. land 2. However, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, one of the advantages of this modification is that as the movable contacts are withdrawn from the fixed contact the are which is drawn upon opening of the contact is drawn within the explosion chambers 104 and 110, and the arc is extinguished therein, in a mannerwell understood by those skilled in this art.

In FIG. 6, a second embodiment is shown, in which a threeposition switch is provided, having a position in which both switch contacts are opened, In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the switch is very similar to that described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Like numerals will be used to indicate similar parts in FIG. 6, followed by the letter :1.

Considering now FIG. 6, an actuating member is provided, in the form of a crank 40a, which is movably secured to a mounting member 42a by means of a shaft 'member 58a. As noted, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,

mounting member 42:: may be the tank of a transformer, or the wall of any suitable enclosure, or it may be secured within a transformer or any suitable enclosure. In this embodiment movable contacts 44a and 46a are provided, pivotally mounted on terminal board 62:: which may be secured to mounting member 42a in the same manner as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and movable into and out of engagement with fixed contacts 48:: and 50a. Spring means 52a are provided, connected between the movable contacts 44:: and 46a. Spring means 52a aids in moving contact 440 into and out of engagement with fixed contact 48m. Connecting means 54a and 56a are provided, connected between movable contacts 44a and 46a, respectively, and the crank member 40a, for moving contacts 44:! and 46a into and out of engagement with fixed contacts 48a and 50a, respectively. As can be seen from FIG. 6, and the above description, this embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and hereinbefore described in detail. The main difference is in crank member 49a, which is 180 reversed from member 40, and in the terminal board 62a which is designed to enable the pivotal connection of movable contacts 44a, 46a to be further removed from fixed contacts 48a, 50a. Further, stop means 96a are provided on the terminal board 62a to prevent movement of one movable contact when the other movable contact is being moved to an open or closed position. In view of the earlier description of FIGS-1 and 2 it is not believed that any further detailed description of FIG. 6 is necessary. However, the operation of this modification of the three position switch will be described.

As shown in phantom lines in FIG. 6, the switch is in its open position, with contact 44a removed from contact 48a'and contact 46a removed from contact 59a. As can be seen, spring means 52a are in tension, holding contact 44a against one stop 96a, and contact 46a against the other stop 96a. The springs 9%, within the channel members 8611 of the connecting means 54:: and 56:: are slightly in tension, also holding contacts 44a and 46a against stops 96a. If the crank member 40:; is now rotated clockwise to the position shown in full lines in FIG. 6, it can be seen that spring a in connecting means 54a is placed in compression, storing energy, which is suddenly released when theforce of spring 99a overcomes the tension force of spring means 52a, thereby snappingmovable contact 44a into closed position with contact 43a. As movable contact 44a begins to close the spring means 52a moves below the pivot point 64a of contact 44a, to thereby provide a tension force to aid in snapping movable contact 44a in closed position with contact 43a. Thus it can be seen that the spring means 52a acts as an over center spring in the same manner as spring means 52, of FIGS. 1 and '2. At the same time, the spring 90a in connecting means 56a is placed in slightly greater tension, holding movable contact 46a more firmly against the stop 96a.

Movement of the actuating member 40a in a counterclockwise direction, from the position shown in full lines in FIG. 6 to the position shown in phantom lines, will open contacts 44a and 48a. In moving counterclockwise, spring member Na in connecting means 54a will be placed in tension, storing'energy until the force in spring 9th: is surilcient to overcome any friction between contacts 44a and 46a and the tension in spring means 52a. When the force in spring 90a is sufiicient, the stored energy is released, snapping movable contact 44a away from contact 48a. It will be apparent that spring means 52a aids in moving contact 44a to its open position after it passes to the other side of the center or pivot point 64a. As the actuating member moves in a counterclockwise direction to separate contacts 44a and 43a, the spring 90a in connecting means 56a will release the additional tension placed in spring 99a during the closing operation.

However, spring 9t3awill still be in tension, and tension will also be applied to contact. 46.2 by spring means 52a. Thus, movable contact 4611 will remain in its open position, substantially against the stop member 96a. 'Of course, it will be readily apparent that the operation of the switch is substantially the same as that detailed above, for the closing and opening of the contacts 46a and 50a.

From the above detailed description of a preferred embodiment of thisinvention and modifications thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there has been described a novel, three position snap acting switch which may be particularly useful in loop feed distribution systems. However, it will also be apparent .that the novel three position snap acting switch of this invention may be used in many other types of systems whenever it is desired to provide a switching means wherein the contacts 'may be both closed or both opened and either of the contacts may be opened, as desired. \Vhile preferred embodiments of this invention have been described in detail in accordance with the patent statutes, it will be understood that many modifications may be made in the construction and materials of the switch without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention hereinberore set forth. Obviously, all such modifications are included as fall within the scope of the invention, asdefined in the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed as new and which it is desired to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is: p 1. A three position snap acting switch comprising, a mounting member, an actuating member movably, secured to said mounting member, a pair of movable contacts and a pair of fixed contacts, said fixed contacts be ing secured to said mounting member, each of said fixed contacts being provided with a terminal for connection to an energized line, each of said movable contacts being individually pivotally mounted on a terminal block, said terminal block being secured to. said mounting member, connecting means individually connecting each of said movable contacts to said actuating member for individually moving either of said movable contacts into and out of en 'agement with one of said fixed contacts, spring means connected between said movable contacts in over center position, whereby said spring means aid in closing either of said contacts during closing and aids in opening either of said contacts during opening.

2. A three position snap acting switch comprising, an actuating member, a pair of movable contacts and a pair of fixed contacts, said fixed contacts being secured to an insulated mounting member and being provided with terminals for connection to an energized line, each of said movable contacts being individually pivotally mounted on a terminal block, said insulated mounting member being secured to said terminal block, connecting means individually connecting each of said movable contacts to said actuating member for individually moving either of said movable contacts into and out of engagement with one of said fixed contacts, spring means connected between said movable contacts in over center position, whereby said spring means aid in closing either of said contacts during closing and aids in opening either of said contacts during opening.

3. A three position, snap acting switch comprising an actuating member, a pair of fixed contacts, a pair of movable contacts, each of said fixed contacts being provided with a terminal, a terminal block, each of said movable contacts being individually pivotally mounted on said terminal block, an insulating member secured to said terminal block, said fixed contacts secured to said insulating member, connecting means individually connecting each of said movable contacts to said actuating member, said connecting means being provided with springs, and spring means connected between said movable contacts, whereby movement of said actuating member operates through said springs and said spring means to move each of said movable contacts individually into and out of engagement with one of said fixed contacts.

4. A three position snap acting switch comprising an actuating member, a pair of fixed contacts, a pair of movable contacts, each of said fixed contacts being provided with a terminal, a terminal block, said movable contacts being pivotally mounted on said terminal block, an insulating member secured to said terminal block, said fixed contacts secured to said insulating member, connecting means connecting each of said movable contacts to said actuating member, said connecting means being provided with springs, said springs in said connecting means being connected between said connecting means and said actuating means such that movement of said actuating member from a mid position will cause one of said springs in one of said connecting means to be placed in compression while the other of said springs in the other of said connecting means will be placed in tension, and spring means connected between said movable contact whereby movement of said actuating member operates through said springs in said connecting means and said spring means to move said movable contacts into and out of engagement with said fixed contacts.

5. A three position snap acting switch comprising a mounting member, an actuating member movably secured to said mounting member, a pair of movable contacts and a pair of fixed contacts, said fixed contacts be ing secured to said mounting member, each of said fixed contacts being provided with a terminal for connection to an energized line, each of said movable contacts being individually pivotally mounted on a terminal block, said terminal block being secured to said mounting member, connecting means individually connecting each of said movable contacts to said actuating member for individually moving each of said movable contacts into and out of engagement with one of said fixed contacts, springs in said connecting means and connected at one end to said actuating member, spring means connected between said movable contacts in over center position, whereby said spring means cooperate with said connecting means to aid in closing said contacts during closing and aid in opening said contacts during opening.

6. A three position snap acting switch comprising, an actuating member, a pair of movable contacts and a pair of fixed contacts, said fixed contacts being secured to an insulated mounting member, each of said fixed contacts being provided with a terminal for connection to an en ergized line, said movable contacts being pivotally mounted on a terminal block, said insulated mounting member being secured to said terminal block, connecting means connecting each of said movable contacts to said actuating member for moving said movable contacts into and out of engagement with said fixed contacts, spring members mounted in said connecting means, one end of each of said spring members connected to said connecting means, the other end of each of said spring members connected to said actuating member, spring means connected between said movable contacts in over center position, said spring means providing opposition to said spring members during a portion of the movement of said movable contact to provide snap acting movement of said movable contacts.

7. A three position switch as claimed in claim 6 in which said movable contacts are in engagement with said fixed contacts in one position of said actuating member, movement of said actuating member from said one position causing one of said movable contacts to be disengaged from one of said fixed contacts.

8. A three position switch as claimed in claim 6 in which said movable contacts are disengaged from said fixed contacts in one position of said actuating member, movement of said actuating member from said one position causing one of said movable contacts to engage one of said fixed contacts.

Headley Sept. 30, 1902 Kule et a1. Apr. 23, 1946 

1. A THREE POSITION SNAP ACTING SWITCH COMPRISING, A MOUNTING MEMBER, AN ACTUATING MEMBER MOVABLY SECURED TO SAID MOUNTING MEMBER, A PAIR OF MOVABLE CONTACTS AND A PAIR OF FIXED CONTACTS, SAID FIXED CONTACTS BEING SECURED TO SAID MOUNTING MEMBER, EACH OF SAID FIXED CONTACTS BEING PROVIDED WITH A TERMINAL FOR CONNECTION TO AN ENERGIZED LINE, EACH OF SAID MOVABLE CONTACTS BEING INDIVIDUALLY PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON A TERMINAL BLOCK, SAID TERMINAL BLOCK BEING SECURED TO SAID MOUNTING MEMBER, CONNECTING MEANS INDIVIDUALLY CONNECTING EACH OF SAID MOVABLE CONTACTS TO SAID ACTUATING MEMBER FOR INDIVIDUALLY MOVING EITHER OF SAID MOVABLE CONTACTS INTO AND OUT OF ENGAGEMENT WITH ONE OF SAID FIXED CONTACTS, SPRING MEANS CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID MOVABLE CONTACTS IN OVER CENTER POSITION, WHEREBY SAID SPRING MEANS AID IN CLOSING EITHER OF SAID CONTACTS DURING CLOSING AND AIDS IN OPENING EITHER OF SAID CONTACTS DURING OPENING. 